We have an 08 Cherokee Super Chief with Dream Catcher LQ. on the bottom of the couch is a switch called the Master Disconnect. My understanding is it cuts off the 12 volt battery power. Correct? We keep our trailer packed at all times and keep the fridge/freezer packed. So we keep the trailer plugged into shore power at all times. Obviously the converter is constantly charging the batteries, so therefore we have to occasionally add water as that boils it out. Correct ? So if I turn the Master Disconnect to off, this would stop the converter from charging the batteries ? And if the fridge is plugged into shore power, it should work fine being on shore power alone, or does it still require the 12 volt going to the panel ? Would it be better to just occasionally add water to the batteries ? We have had the trailer a year, and used it continuously during the year, both electrical and primitive camping, with it plugged in continuously at home, and just now added water to the batteries. They seemed to drain pretty quickly using the furnace while primitive camped so we came home and checked them and they needed water. They are Nautilus Deep Cycle Marine starting batteries.
Posted 2010-11-15 12:52 PM (#127091 - in reply to #127090) Subject: RE: Master Disconnect question
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Because you are constantly having to add water, it is a direct result and indication of the batteries being constantly over charged.
Turn off the battery master switch when you are plugged into shore power. The shore power maintains power to your converter and your appliances will opperate normally.
By overcharging the batteries, their life spans will be greatly reduced. Because they are expensive, the time it takes to turn off the switch is well worth the effort.
Posted 2010-11-15 1:09 PM (#127093 - in reply to #127090) Subject: RE: Master Disconnect question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Okay Gard, it just says "Main Disconnect Switch", not battery disconnect, so this is the same thing ? When we removed the batteries yesterday to check and refill them, my husband had me turn it off and we didnt get any sparking when we undid everything. We were plugged into shore power and the fridge kept right on working on AC mode.
Posted 2010-11-15 1:36 PM (#127095 - in reply to #127090) Subject: RE: Master Disconnect question
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I would assume that the "main disconnect switch" is in fact, the main battery switch.
There was little or no sparking because the shore power was carrying the load. If it were on BATT power and the shore cord was disconnected, as the terminals were removed, you would have seen sparking and the appliances would have stopped working.
Master Disconnect question
